Approximate Location of Inflection Points

Abstract

Approximate analysis is a basic tool of the structural engineer. This paper presents procedures which are quick, easy, and quite accurate in approximating the location of inflection points. This is the most critical step in any approximate analysis. The method presented in this paper is very useful in producing preliminary designs, checking computer results, and getting a feel for the structural behavior. The one simple formula presented herein produces far greater accuracy than existing methods. Existing methods rely on various rule‐of‐thumb techniques which are, at best, satisfactory for limited ranges of geometries. Several examples which demonstrate the use of the derived equation are presented.